8 March 2011
Eastbourne Borough Council receives numerous complaints each year about dogs’ mess, so the council is launching a new campaign to ask owners to pick up the unpleasant mess that their dogs leave behind.
The message behind the campaign is that, “there is no such thing as the Dog Poo Fairy and no-one else picks it up – it’s up to you!”
Dog poo bags will be available at venues along the seafront, the Town Hall, and Eastbourne Borough Council Customer Contact Centre, the Information Centre and other venues from the 15th March 2011. Just look out for the Dog Poo Fairy poster. In addition there are 200 special bins to dispose of dogs mess in the town, so there is no excuse for dog owners to leave it on the ground.
The Mayor of Eastbourne Cllr Carolyn Heaps said “We all need to be mindful of how dog poo is dealt with. There are many responsible dog owners but unfortunately a few do not take responsibility for clearing up after their dogs and feel it is someone else’s job. I urge residents to report people that they witness not clearing up. Public opinion should alter to make these people be seen as the anti social folk that they indeed are.
The health dangers of children coming in contact with dog mess are well known and researched so we should not hesitate to penalise people who do not clear up after their dog.
I have today picked up and disposed of 2 lots of poo in plastic bags that were left at the side of the road and on the pavement. It is time we all took some responsibility for where we live and show those who don’t seem to care that there are a whole bunch of people who do.”
Cllr Steve Wallis, who champions a clean environment said, “As part of the Council’s campaign our Dog Welfare Officer and Community Enforcement Officers will be taking a zero tolerance approach to rid the town of this anti social behaviour.” Offenders face a fixed penalty fine of £75 or a maximum penalty on conviction of £1,000.
Cllr Colin Belsey, Conservative opposition spokesman on the Environment said, “ I totally support this campaign regarding owners of dogs who do not ‘pick up’ after their dogs. Let them beware that they can be reported and fines can be imposed, there has been more work recently by our enforcement team, so owners, please clean up after your dogs.”
Stephen Lloyd MP added “I am delighted the Council is taking this initiative. It is a simple issue which can be simply fixed. Dog owners need to take responsibility for their pets and those that don’t must be brought to task. Like many people I love dogs and have had the privilege of having a number over the years, but I do not like irresponsible dog owners and its time to call a halt to their behaviour.”
